HobbyZone® products are distributed exclusively by Horizon Hobby, Inc. 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 ©2005 Horizon Hobby, Inc.
Congratulations on your purchase of the HobbyZone® Firebird Freedom™ RTF electric airplane. Your Firebird Freedom uses advanced Anti-Crash Technology™ (ACT) that allows you to safely train with a fully proportional 3-channel aircraft and radio system. The Firebird Freedom has built-in sensors that look for the sky and horizon, and thanks to the specially programmed software, it can temporarily “take over” in the event that your aircraft is put in danger from incorrect transmitter input.
Motor Test and Battery Discharging 1. Remove the transmitter back cover by pushing down with thumbs, as indicated by the arrows. 2. Install the included "AA" batteries. Use eight fresh 1.5V “AA” batteries only. 3. Be sure to observe proper polarity when installing the batteries, and then replace the cover. 4. To test, switch on the transmitter. The LED should glow brightly. 5. Replace the batteries when you hear the low battery alarm (beeping sound).
Wing and Landing Gear Attachment Variable rate DC peak charger features: • Variable charge rate from 0.3–1.2A • Trickle charge • LED charge indicator • Charges 4- to 7-cell Ni-Cd and Ni-MH battery packs Attaching the Landing Gear 1. Locate the landing gear within the box. 2. Simply insert the landing gear into the slot on the bottom of fuselage. 1. Select a charge rate of 1.2 amps for the included 8.4V 1000mAh Ni-MH battery. 2. Attach the battery to the charger. 3.
1. Make sure slide throttle is “off” and then turn on transmitter. 2. Install and plug in the flight battery. 3. Move the stick side to side while observing that the tail flaps are moving as shown. 4. Move the stick up and down while observing that the tail flaps are moving as shown. 5. The small levers under and to the side of the stick are the trim levers and are used to adjust the “neutral” point of your control stick. These should be centered prior to performing the test. 6.
Choose a Calm Day In order to have the most success, and to protect property and your Firebird Freedom™ from any damage, it is very important to select a place to fly that is very open.
Prior to your first flight you will need to do a range test. Two people are needed to do this–one to hold the transmitter and one to hold the airplane. 1. One person holds the transmitter while the other person walks 100 paces away with the airplane. 2. Be sure the throttle slider is in the "OFF" position. 2. Extend the transmitter antenna completely and turn on the transmitter. 3. Plug in the airplane battery and close the hatch cover. 4. As soon as the throttle is advanced, the props should spin quickly.
Remember, the purpose of ACT is to help you to learn to fly properly and smoothly. When ACT is engaged, and overrides your input, it means that you have placed your aircraft in jeopardy. Keeping the stick more in the middle, and less in the corners, will allow you to fly more smoothly and prevent ACT from engaging. ACT should be the backup for you. The key is to learn to make minor movements on the controls because the transmitter is proportional and is sensitive to movements of the control stick.
Freedom™ Your Firebird is equipped with a third channel for pitch control (elevator). Pulling back on the stick provides UP elevator that allows for shorter runway takeoffs, better flares for landing, a better climb rate, and more effective turns. However, giving too much UP elevator (pulling back on the stick) will cause the airplane to enter a stall, especially at slower speeds. Just after a stall occurs, the nose of the airplane will go down, and the airplane will begin to enter a dive.
1. After launching your Firebird Freedom™, it will begin climbing at full throttle. With the throttle all the way on, your Firebird Freedom should climb without any elevator input. 2. Make right- and left-hand adjustments to keep your airplane heading directly into the wind. Do not attempt a turn until you have reached a minimum of 50–100 feet of altitude. That’s about as tall as a 4- to 8-story building.
SUCCESS TIP: Your Firebird Freedom’s transmitter has a throttle slider that gives power to the motor. It has proportional control, meaning you can advance the motor as much or little as needed in flight. In order to have the most success, it is important to operate the throttle slider smoothly, as you should the steering and elevator stick. Note: If you’re flying with the motor off, or at a low speed, allow the Firebird Freedom™ a bit more area for turns.
Making Adjustments: Plane Turns to the Left or Right If you notice that your airplane wants to turn to either the left or right when the control stick is centered, some adjustments are needed as the control surfaces may not be at neutral. In most cases, a few clicks in the needed direction (right or left) on the trim lever will correct the problem. If you need even more adjustment do the following: If you are certain the control surfaces are at neutral and the plane still “wanders” to the left: 1.
™ If your Firebird Freedom does not climb fast enough when at full throttle and with a full charged battery pack, you can adjust the climb rate by: 1. Tightening the front screw one full turn and loosening the back screw one full turn. 2. Test flying. 3. Repeat the above procedure until your plane climbs adequately under full power.
If a Crash Occurs Warnings and Safety Checklist If you happen to crash and part of the foam wing or tail breaks, it can be repaired using packing tape to cover missing pieces. 1. Read and follow this manual and included video CD completely, observing all instructions and safety directions. If you do not do this, serious injury and damage can occur. Think safety first. 2. Keep propeller away from all body parts at all times! Beware of loose clothing or hair becoming entangled in the propeller. 3.
Troubleshooting PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE Unit does not operate 1. Transmitter "AA"batteries are depleted or installed incorrectly as indicated by a dim or unlit LED on the transmitter or the low battery alarm 2. No electrical connection 3. Aircraft battery is not charged 4. Crash has damaged the radio inside the fuselage 1. Check polarity installation or replace with fresh “AA” batteries 1. Tail flaps need adjustment 1.
Warranty and Follow-Up Procedures Horizon Hobby, Inc. guarantees that your HobbyZone® Firebird Freedom™ will be free from defects in material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component parts, or damage by use or modification. In no case shall Horizon Hobby’s liability exceed the original purchase cost of this item. Further, Horizon Hobby reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
Replacement and Optional Parts (continued) Replacement and Optional Parts Freedom™ Keep your Firebird in the air! Spare parts are available from your dealer or from Horizon Hobby direct (www.horizonhobby.com). Please check with your dealer first— by supporting your dealer, they’ll be there when you need them. To locate your local dealer, go to www.hobbyzonesports.com.
Future RC Flight Once you’ve mastered flying your Firebird Freedom,™ we recommend that you try another 3-channel plane from HobbyZone® for the most successful transition to using larger and faster 3-channel airplanes. The Aerobird Challenger® is a great next step, but you could also try the Aerobird Xtreme.™ Both of these aircraft are X-Port™ equipped, so you’ll still be able to have fun with the X-Port accessories you use with your Firebird Freedom.
